Popularly, koi fish tattoos are associated with good luck and perseverance, the basic qualities required for a successful life. The story of koi fish swimming upstream against the current of water to reach the top of the dragon gate waterfall, can be interpreted as the struggle against the odds of life to reach the desired goal. So, koi fish tattoos represent ambition and aspiration, which can be achieved only after overcoming the obstacles of life.
In Japanese culture, koi fish also symbolize love along with good fortune. The act of swimming upstream against the current of water depicts strength in adversity. In Chinese culture, koi fish are the symbol of good luck, masculinity and strength. It is a well known fact that koi fish are very energetic and have the innate ability to adjust to any kind of climate and water conditions, for which they are supposed to symbolize strength and determination